Wildcats seek advice on Knight head knocks
Perth Wildcats centre Matt Knight will seek the advice of medical specialists in Melbourne amid fears over the long-term effects of the two concussions he has suffered in the past month.
Knight has been ruled out indefinitely after copping accidental blows to the head in games against Cairns and Townsville.
He missed the Wildcats' last two games and will be sidelined for at least the next three, including tomorrow night's clash with Melbourne at Perth Arena.
Jeremiah Trueman has been signed as a temporary replacement for Knight, returning to the Wildcats on a short-term deal after playing 71 games for the club from 2010-13.
Trueman has been cleared by the NBL to play against the Tigers tomorrow night.
Coach Trevor Gleeson said the Wildcats were taking no risks with Knight, who was named as the starting centre in the All-NBL first team last season and is a key figure in the WA club's championship plans.
"Matty will miss the next three games as a precaution," Gleeson said.
"He's going to go over to Melbourne and see some specialist just to make sure that we haven't missed anything.
"He'll be brought on very slowly. He still can't compete with us at practice - he's just getting some shots up.
"We want to make sure that there's not (any long-term effects). We don't want him to come back early and get another knock.
"We want to make sure that we've covered all bases and we're seeing the best professional help that we can to make sure Matty's right for the end of the season."
Knight has endured a string of injuries since joining the Wildcats in 2010, with constant shoulder and calf problems, among other fitness issues, limiting his contribution.
Knight was sidelined for the first six games this season with torn ankle ligaments.
"It certainly tests your character to stay positive when negative things happen," Gleeson said.
"Matt's been really good. He's been the first one here at practice ready to go, he just can't practice.
"His heart is in the right place and hopefully we can help him be better and stronger at the end of the year."
Melbourne will also enter tomorrow night's game undermanned, with Lucas Walker sidelined with a recurring Achilles tendon injury.
Development player Greg Page will take Walker's place on the 10-man roster.
Veteran Melbourne forward Adam Ballinger will play his 300th NBL game tomorrow night.
